JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop rapidly in the fields of rehabilitation, but still there is a need to understand how physical therapists (PTs) perceive AI technologies in clinical practices.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude of PTs regarding AI applications in rehabilitation based on multiple explanatory factors.

Methods:

A web-based Google Form survey was used to collect the data, and it was divided into various sections, 317 PTs voluntarily participated in the study. PTs’ Knowledge about AI applications in rehabilitation was lower than their knowledge about AI in general.

Results:

We found a statistically significant difference in PTs knowledge regarding AI application in rehabilitation field based on gender (OR₌2.43, 95% CI₌ 1.53 to 3.87, P≤ .001). Also, experience (OR₌1.79, 95% CI₌ 1.11 to 2.87, P₌ .02) and education qualifications (OR₌1.68, 95% CI₌ 1.05 to 2.70, P₌ .03) were found to be significant predictors of knowledge about AI-based applications. PTs who work in the non-academic sector and who had less than ten years of experience had positive attitudes toward AI.

Conclusions:

AI technologies integrate into many PT practices via the automization of clinical tasks. Therefore, PTs are encouraged to enrich their knowledge and practices with AI applications to cope with the vast intelligent development. Clinical Trial: Not Applicable